OutFront Media purchased the company that's owned this billboard for six years and is supposed to pay the MBTA $250,000 each year for the rights to advertise on the space.

A company spokeswoman confirmed the sign is out of compliance and they are now trying to get the right permit. State officials say the company also is looking at turning it into an electronic billboard.

"The state needs money so let's put a flashing billboard on the State House. Why not? And another one in the Public Garden and another one on the Common," Dukakis said. "I mean where does it end?"